Also known as
- Omilu US
- Blue Ulua US
- Bluefin Jack US
- Bluefin Kingfish US
- Bluefinned Crevalle US
- Spotted Trevally US
- Blue Spotted Jack US
- Starry Jack US
- Blue Crevally US
Identification
A streamlined heavily muscled Indo-Pacific reef predator built for explosive bursts and sustained current-fighting power — dives hard for structure. Males and females alike.
- Bronze head and upper body covered in numerous small blue-black spots
- Pale cream to white belly contrasting with the darker upper body
- Electric blue second dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail in adults — the namesake feature
- Pointed tapered snout more pronounced than in other Caranx species
- Strongly forked tail and sickle-shaped pectorals
Where it holds
- Inshore
- Coral Reefs
- Seagrass Meadows
- Sandy Shores
Behaviour
An aggressive Indo-Pacific reef predator working the upper 50m around reef flats, channels, lagoons, drop-offs, and atoll passes. Hunts solo or in small cooperative groups, often shadowing sharks, rays, and large goatfish to capitalise on disturbed prey. Targets small reef fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans with explosive ambush strikes. Most active in 23-29°C (73-84°F) water; feeds aggressively on incoming and tide-change current pulses, especially in shallow reef passes.
Diet: Small Reef Fish, Goatfish, Small Mullet, Squid, Octopus, Crustaceans
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Spinning
The dominant Hawaiian, French Polynesian, Seychelles, and Maldives reef approach — long-cast a 100-180mm popper, stickbait, or surface iron jig over reef edges, drop-offs, and tide-change current pulses and rip it back fast with erratic action. Strikes are explosive and visual. PE3-5 popping rod, 24-30kg braid, 60-80lb fluorocarbon shock leader.
Jigging
A productive structure-bound approach when fish hold deeper — drop a 100-250g speed jig or slow-pitch jig over reef edges, drop-offs, and seamounts in 20-100m and work it with rapid aggressive sweeps. Particularly effective at the transition between reef and deep water where fish ambush prey. PE4-5 jigging tackle, 60-80lb fluorocarbon leader.
Live Lining
A consistent approach in pressured areas — drop a live small mullet, sardine, or small reef fish on a 4/0-7/0 circle hook with 60-80lb fluorocarbon leader free-line or under minimal weight near reef edges and drop-offs. Octopus and large shrimp on bottom rigs are equally productive when fish refuse lures.
Trolling
An effective method for locating fish across atoll passes and reef edges — pull skirted lures, spoons, and feathers at 4-6 knots along outer reef margins and current lines. Once a fish is located, switch to popping or jigging for follow-up hookups. PE4-5 trolling tackle, 60-80lb fluorocarbon leader.
Surf Casting
An accessible Hawaiian and atoll-island shore approach — long-cast 100-180mm poppers, stickbaits, or 60-120g metal slugs from rocky points and reef-edge platforms into deeper water adjacent to the reef. Best at first light, last light, and tidal-change pulses. 9-10ft popping rod, PE3-5 mainline, 60-80lb fluorocarbon shock leader.
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fly
A premier Indo-Pacific flats target — sight-cast a 3-5 inch baitfish streamer or weighted crab pattern to cruising fish on the flats and reef edges and strip as fast as possible. Fish respond to rapid movement; lazy strips are usually ignored. 10wt rod, intermediate WF saltwater line, 30-40lb fluorocarbon shock tippet.
Spear Fishing
Inshore Spearfishing
A productive Indo-Pacific reef-edge approach — stalk slowly using reef structure for cover in 5-40m where fish patrol drop-offs and channel edges. Wary at smaller sizes; aggressive in pressured areas. Aim for the head or spine on the first shot — they dive hard for reef cover. 110cm gun with double bands and 8.0mm shaft.
